Victorian Christmas at the Beaulieu

Step back in time and discover the Christmas traditions and celebrations of the Victorian era at the Beaulieu. The Palace House has been the Montagu family home since 1538, and for Christmas the historic building undergoes a festive transformation to show the preparations that would have been made by the Mongatgu family in 1889 as they awaited Christmas. Victorian Christmas at the Beaulieu is open on the 9th and 10th of December, and then runs from the 16th of December until the 1st of January.

A path lit with Christmas lights leads you towards Palace House. Inside, the historic rooms have been decorated to represent scenes of Christmas festivity. Each room has its own individual themed Christmas tree, with the most breathtaking being the 22ft Christmas tree as you enter. Touring through the house, each room shows a different side of family life. In the lower drawing room you can witness a family piano rehearsal practicing their Christmas songs. In the kitchen the cook and kitchen maid are preparing for the Christmas feast.

While you wander the house you can enjoy some warm mulled wine, or if it's a bit chilly you can warm up by one of the house's many log fires.

Kids have a range of activities they can enjoy throughout the Victorian Christmas event. They'll enjoy posing beside the colourful life-size gingerbread house - unfortunately it's not for eating. There's also a Christmas Trail throughout the house, so kids can stay entertained trying to track down all the hidden mice. For the crafty ones there are craft activities decoration or card making, just note that while there are a variety of options only one craft activity will be available per day.

After exploring the house you can also wander through the gardens. Unfortunately in winter you won't see the same array of beautiful flowers, but you can still enjoy a walk through the topiary gardens and can spent a bit of time enjoying the giant outdoor Christmas tree - it has over 15,000 lights. Keep an eye out for Santa's sleigh, pulled by a set of willow reindeer. To make the most of the twinkling fairy lights and Christmas tree, the Beaulieu will be closing after 6pm on the 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th of December so there's time to enjoy them after the sun has gone down.

The Victorian Christmas at the Beaulieu is a free exhibition and is included with your regular Beaulieu ticket price. Buy your tickets in advance and you can take advantage of the Beaulieu's advanced ticket pricing and make a significant saving on the standard pricing. Children under 5 are always free. Aside from their special 6pm closing times on the 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th of the December, the Beaulieu is open from 10am till 6pm daily. The historic house is open every day of the year except for Christmas day.